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Three things we learned from Brazil’s late win over Costa Rica

By Kian Long

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Neymar Jr of Brazil celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with teammates Douglas Costa, Casemiro, Miranda and Roberto Firmino during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Neymar Jr of Brazil celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with teammates Douglas Costa, Casemiro, Miranda and Roberto Firmino during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
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SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 22: Francisco Calvo of Costa Rica looks dejected following his sides defeat in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 22: Francisco Calvo of Costa Rica looks dejected following his sides defeat in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

3. Frustration for Costa Rica

Costa Rica were very unfortunate, just like they were against Serbia recently. It was an impressive display by them, and not just from a defensive standpoint.

Especially early on, they looked to pick out holes in Brazil’s defense. They primarily attacked down Brazil’s left hand side, catching Marcelo napping on a number of occasions.

They needed to pick up at least a point to progress, but they failed to do that. It’s a shame to see, because they were just five minutes away from achieving this feat.

In the 2014 World Cup, they finished top in an even harder group. They got the better of Italy, Uruguay and England, which just goes to show they can do it.

Marcos Urena fancied his chances in getting behind Thiago Silva and co. His teammates looked to pick him out whenever possible, but he never found a productive breakthrough.

Costa Rica didn’t play the best football in the world, but they fell just short of the mark. This competition will go down as another ‘what could have been’ story for them, as they watch the other three teams battle for the top two spots.

Next: Liverpool receive huge boost in chase for Alisson alternative

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